Marseille have agreed a deal in principle to sign teenage defender Benjamin Mendy from Le Havre, the Ligue 1 club have confirmed.

The 18-year-old left-back was strongly linked with a move to Barclays Premier League side Sunderland but it appears l'OM have stolen a march on Paolo Di Canio's Black Cats.

A statement published on www.om.net read: 'Marseille and Le Havre have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Benjamin Mendy.'

Missed out: Sunderland target Benjamin Mendy is set to sign for French giants Marseille

The France youth international also reacted to the news through his official Twitter account tonight, writing: 'Hello Twitter, I am officially Marseillais.'

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio will be disappointed to have missed out on the youngster as he continues to rebuild at the Stadium of Light.

Close to tying up a deal for AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore, the Black Cats unveiled Bosman free signings Valentin Roberge, Cabral and Modibo Diakite last week and have also secured the transfer of Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone.